Meet Our Team
Our team of health coaches, doctors and certified physical therapists work to create a product that works seamlessly with your life. Meet the people behind SimpleTherapy.
Our Team
Health & Wellness Coaches
Our Advisors
Richard D. Lackman, MD, FACS
Orthopaedic Oncology
University of Pennsylvania
Bone and Soft Tissue Cancer
Dr. Russell Nord, MD
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Stanford University
Sports Medicine
San Francisco 49ers & Stanford Football Team

Arpit Khemka
Chief Executive Officer
& Co-Founder
As an outdoors enthusiast, Arpit has enjoyed white water rafting, rappelling at India’s western ghats, swimming with sharks, skydiving, trekking the sahyadris, and being a P2 paragliding pilot. His rehabilitative exercise therapy experience has been for knee and ankle pain.
Arpit created the first prototype of SimpleTherapy’s algorithm and, as Chief Technology Officer, has been leading the design and Development of this transformative digital health service.
Prior to SimpleTherapy, Arpit was the Lead Developer of CGI Inc., an $11 Billion global information technology and business process services firm. There, Arpit led the team sent to resolve critical issues impeding the Massachusetts Health Exchange and get it back on track. Having already automated an equally massive and complex system while digitizing the incarceration process for the New York City Department of Corrections Jail Management System 100,000+ inmates a year, Arpit was uniquely positioned to take on and succeed at the daunting challenge.
Throughout the entirety of his career, Arpit has designed algorithm-based decision-making systems, including for the Indian navy, for business process software, and for a real estate property management platform integrated with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Bank of America and HUD.
Arpit holds an Engineering Degree from Pune University and is a Certified Architect, Technical Lead, and Developer.
Please reach out to Arpit at arpit@simpletherapy.com.

Tae Won Kim, M.D.
Chief Medical Officer
& Co-Founder
Tae has long combined an interest in clinical research and a passion for aiding those needing medical help. During a summer fellowship in Africa, he spent time visiting rural villages to debunk myths associated with the transmission of specific infectious diseases.
Born in South Korea and raised in New Jersey, Tae received his BS in Chemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and his MD from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He completed an orthopaedic surgery residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and a fellowship in orthopaedic oncology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering.
Tae has been involved in research throughout his career. As a senior orthopaedic resident, he was the Editor-in-Chief of the University of Pennsylvania Orthopaedic Journal. He has numerous publications in the field of joint replacement and has studied the way research in orthopaedic surgery is performed.
Tae co-founded SimpleTherapy Inc. with Arpit Khemka, and now channels his research and clinical interest as the Chief Medical Officer. He is also currently the co-director of the orthopaedic oncology division at the MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper University in Camden, New Jersey.
Please reach out to Tae at tae@simpletherapy.com.

Jeff Chiappa PT, DPT, MS
Director of Therapy Programs
Jeff Chiappa PT, DPT, MS has been the Director of Therapy Programs for 3 years at Simple Therapy. Jeff has been an outpatient orthopedic physical therapist for 20 years. Jeff specializes in outpatient orthopedics and sports medicine and has a direct access license from the state of Pennsylvania that allows him to treat clients without a physician referral.
Jeff grew up in Malvern, attended Great Valley High School and went to Dickinson College where he obtained a Bachelor’s in Science in Biology. After graduation from Dickinson, Jeff lived in Jackson Hole Wyoming where he first discovered physical therapy when he took his roommate to PT for an ACL injury. Jeff then moved back to the region and graduated from Widener University Institute for Physical Therapy with a Master’s of Science in Physical Therapy. Jeff then began his career in orthopedic working for a large orthopedic group, where he eventually became the director of rehab for four offices. Along the way, he obtained his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Temple University in 2010.
Jeff and his wife Jeannine are both physical therapists who met working at Bryn Mawr Rehab in Malvern, PA. Jeff has three children and he and his wife foster Seeing Eye Dogs for the Seeing Eye Dog Program located in Moorestown, NJ.

Michał Bartosik
Lead Front End Engineer
Lead Front End Engineer
Michał Bartosik is HCI graduate of Jagiellonian University in Kraków. Over 16 years of professional experience.
Involved in various projects from web and mobile – to educational games created for Jagiellonian University e-learning centre. He is highly motivated in making software as user-friendly and aesthetic as possible.
In his free time Michał enjoys video games, and walks with his wife and basset hound ‘Einstein’.

Jonathan Garino
Customer Success
Jon has two years of experience in the digital healthcare profession. He graduated from the University of Maryland in 2017 as a member of the university’s lacrosse team for 5 years. He then played professional lacrosse for the New York Lizards for 1 year. During his time in athletics, Jon developed a tremendous passion and profound understanding in exercise science, physical fitness, and exercise therapy.
Jon has taken these passions to the SimpleTherapy team where he is now an ISSA certified personal trainer as well as a certified REBT life coach along with his lead role in customer success.
In his free time, Jon likes to travel, snowboard, play lacrosse, and spend time with friends and family.
Please reach out to Jon at jon@simpletherapy.com.




Darla Gonzales CMA
Head Health Coach
Certified Medical Assistant
Darla’s pathway to healthcare started by taking care of her late brother. Darla knew that this was her calling, and decided to get her Associates Science Degree in medical assisting. Devoting the last 7 years in healthcare has been a fulfilling career for her.
A Bay area native Darla was home schooled and attended Heald College. While in school Darla was able to find time to take care of families whose loved one was place on hospice care. Shortly there after Darla did her externship at Washington Township Medical Group in the OBGYN clinic. With such great work and high recommendations she was able to spend the next 7 years working at Form orthopedics in Fremont California for Dr.Besh, Dr. Jaureguito and Dr. Gay. Darla was the Lead surgical coordinator who scheduled and communicated with all patients who needed comfort and care before and after their surgeries. Medlegal coordinating was another strong suit Darla held while her time at Form orthopedics scheduling and setting up depositions and independent medical examinations for any and all medlegal health cases outside the practice. With the expansion of Form Orthopedics Darla was granted the opportunity to help out at the Tesla manufacturing company with their onsite health center to help organize and guide all employees who were injured at work.
Outside of work Darla’s hobbies are cooking for her friends and family and making those around her smile and laugh. There’s not a day that goes by that you don’t notice her putting others needs first.

Dr. Randall Rudeen (Randy) DC
SimpleTherapist / Health and Wellness Coach
Randy is a Doctor of Chiropractic and a college biology professor.
He has managed multiple fitness centers, attained a 4th degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and participates in mud runs with his daughter.
He’s also been Chuck Norris’ stand-in on Walker, Texas Ranger!!

Alexandra Saracino (Allie)
SimpleTherapist / Health and Wellness Coach
Allie is a fun-loving ball of energy!
When she’s not cooking up Italian dinners, she enjoys running through the streets of Philadelphia.
She also loves to spend time with her pleasantly plump cat companion, Bernard.

Ryan Skora MS, ACSM-EP, CWPC
Health and Wellness Coach
Ryan is someone who really listens, finds the positive side to everything, and is always awaiting the next opportunity to help you improve. He was born in CA and raised in IN. He is witty, empathetic, and here to help bring out the best in you! In his spare time, he enjoys biking, hiking, campfires, laughing, traveling, sports, and fishing. Fun fact: He is weird and finds it oddly relaxing to be on an airplane.
Ryan graduated from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) with a BS in Kinesiology and a focus on Exercise Science and then went on to get his MS in Kinesiology with a focus on Physical Activity, Fitness, and Wellness from the Indiana University School of Public Health. He is certified as an Exercise Physiologist through the American College of Sports Medicine and as a Certified Wellness Program Coordinator through the Chapman Institute.
His experience includes health coaching for a local county hospital and a corporate wellness program. He was also a personal trainer and an adjunct instructor for undergraduate fitness classes at Indiana University. Ryan’s youngest client was 16 and oldest was 91 so there is a good chance he has worked with someone like you before!

Jonathan Garino MD, MBA
Head of Clinical Advisory Board
University of Pennsylvania
Hip and Knee
Jonathan Garino MD, MBA Received his undergraduate degree and Medical degree from Georgetown University. He completed an orthopedic residency at the New York Orthopedic Hospital and a fellowship in Adult reconstruction at the University of Pennsylvania. He was appointed to the University of Pennsylvania Medical School faculty and was promoted to an Associate professor in Orthopaedic surgery. During that Time,
Dr. Garino authored numerous articles and book chapters as well as gave hundreds of lectures both nationally and internationally in the field of hip and knee replacement, becoming a national and international expert in advanced bearings and revision surgery.
Dr. Garino left academic practice in 2011, and continued his orthopedic career in private practice in the Philadelphia suburbs as well as pursued other business interests. In 2016, he completed his MBA at Villanova University. He is on the board of the Pennsylvania orthopedic society and American association of hip and knee surgeons. He holds several editorial positions at two prestigious orthopedic journals. He holds additional board positions at charitable organizations and technology companies. He holds numerous patents in orthopedic device and sports technology and is an active angel investor in the Philadelphia area where he lives with his wife and three children.

Roger A. Mann, M.D
Orthopaedic Surgeon
University of California,San Francisco (UCSF)
Foot and Ankle
Roger A. Mann, M.D. was born and raised in San Francisco, California, and moved to Oakland to practice Orthopaedic surgery in 1968. He received his undergraduate degree from University of California, Berkeley. His received his medical school education at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine. He completed his internship at San Francisco General Hospital, and subsequently, his residency training through UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. He became a board-certified Orthopaedic surgeon in 1968.
Dr. Mann has an extensive background in foot and ankle surgery. Aside from his busy Oakland practice, he has treated numerous professional athletes, and was a full-time consultant to the Steadman-Hawkins Clinic in Vail, Colorado. He has published more than 120 scientific journal articles, 70 book chapters, and is the co-author of the most widely used Orthopaedic textbook on foot and ankle surgery, entitled, “Surgery of the Foot and Ankle,” which is now entering its ninth edition. He is a past president of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS). The society has even named an annual award for their Outstanding Clinical Paper after Dr. Mann, “The Roger A. Mann Award.”
Dr. Mann maintains a full-time Foot Fellowship Program. He has trained more than 60 Orthopaedic surgeons in foot and ankle surgery over the years. It is a 6-month fellowship, working with Dr. Mann on a one-on-one basis. Besides providing a full service foot and ankle practice, Dr. Mann was the lead investigator for the FDA study evaluating the Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement (STAR). The STAR was finally approved by the FDA in April 2007.

Richard D. Lackman, MD, FACS
Orthopaedic Oncology
University of Pennsylvania
Bone and Soft Tissue Cancer
Richard D. Lackman, MD, FACS, is a nationally recognized expert in the field of Orthopaedic oncology. Prior to joining the Cooper Bone and Joint Institute, Dr. Lackman was the Associate Director for Patient and Family Services at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania and the Director of the University of Pennsylvania Health System Sarcoma Center of Excellence. While at the University of Pennsylvania, he also served as Paul B. Magnuson Professor and Chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery as well as the Residency Director for Orthopaedics.
Dr. Lackman leads the new multidisciplinary Orthopaedic Oncology Center at the MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper. His special interests and clinical focus include bone and soft tissue cancer, limb sparing surgery, benign musculoskeletal tumors and sarcomas. Dr. Lackman is a consultant reviewer for eight medical publications including Clinical Orthopaedics & Related Research, Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery, International Journal of Oncology and Journal of American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He is a highly sought-after lecturer with over 100 publications and book chapters to his credit.
Dr. Lackman is the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including being only the second Orthopaedic surgeon in the nation to receive the prestigious Parker Palmer Courage to Teach Award, which is the highest award given by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) for graduate medical education. Dr. Lackman is a past president of the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society and is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Mary Ann Keenan MD
Chief of Neuro-Orthopaedics
University of Pennsylvania
Mary Ann Keenan MD, is an Emeritus Professor and Chief of Neuro-Orthopaedics at the University of Pennsylvania. She previously served as the Chair of Orthopaedics at Albert Einstein Medical Center. Dr. Keenan is the founder of neuro-orthopaedics at University of Pennsylvania and has been a dedicated educator and mentor to hundreds of orthopaedists in training.
Dr. Keenan has published extensively and is a pioneer in the field of neuro-orthopaedics, rehabilitation and tendon transfers.

Roshan P. Shah, MD, JD
Orthopedic Surgeon
University of Pennsylvania
Hip and Knee Reconstruction
Roshan P. Shah, MD, JD, specializes in hip and knee reconstruction using minimally invasive techniques for less pain and faster recovery times.
He believes there are many valuable pain-relieving treatments that do not involve surgery. When an operation is needed, he embraces careful surgical techniques with attention to the biological, anatomical, and mechanical restoration that is critical for a pain-free return of function.
Dr. Shah has a particular interest in complex primary and revision hip and knee replacements, as well as associated fractures and infections. As Director of Complex Adult Hip and Knee Reconstruction at Columbia University, he has reconstructed failed total hips and knees using sophisticated techniques and technologies. He has successfully treated patients from across the United States and neighboring countries, finding solutions to problems that stump others.
Dr. Shah has made several contributions to research, having published 40 peer-reviewed articles, textbook chapters, and editorials, in addition to giving more than 30 scientific presentations. He served as editor of the University of Pennsylvania Orthopaedic Journal and the Yale Journal of Health Law, Policy, and Ethics. He was also an associate editor for the Stanford Law and Policy Review.
Dr. Shah has been honored with multiple research awards, including 1st place at the Orthopaedic Research and Education Fund/Orthopaedic Research Society symposium, 2nd place at the Philadelphia Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine Research Symposium, the AO Kathryn Cramer Award, and the University of Pennsylvania Orthopaedic Journal Resident Recognition Award. He holds one provisional patent application for a patient safety device innovation.
As a former Washington health policy fellow for both the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, Dr. Shah continues to advocate for policies that serve patients, improve access to care, and support research and innovation. He was invited to speak on FDA regulatory issues and innovation within the field of orthopedic surgery at a meeting in Washington, D.C.
A native of Camden, New York, he earned his B.A. in Chemistry from Dartmouth College, with additional concentrations in philosophy and public policy. He received his doctor of medicine degree from Yale University and his juris doctor degree from Stanford University. He was a resident in orthopedic surgery at the University of Pennsylvania, where he received the DeForest Willard Award for outstanding performance as an orthopedic senior resident and the Marvin E. Steinberg, MD Award in Adult Reconstruction for outstanding work in the field of adult reconstruction surgery. He also completed a post-doctoral research fellowship (in the field of tissue engineering for Orthopaedic surgery applications) at the McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory. Before joining ColumbiaDoctors, he completed a fellowship in Adult Hip and Knee Reconstruction at Rush University. Additionally, he has travelled to Wrightington, England to study advanced principles of the hip at the Charnley Centre for Hip Surgery.

Eileen Crawford MD
Orthopedic Surgeon
University of Michigan
Sports Medicine and Shoulder
Eileen Crawford MD, first came to the University of Michigan for specialized fellowship training in sports medicine and shoulder surgery. She returned to her home state of Delaware after completing her training, where she worked as a community-based Orthopaedic Surgeon specializing in Sports Medicine. She thoroughly enjoyed caring for the local high school and collegiate athletic teams and developed an affinity for treating the young athletes. The emphasis on education, cutting-edge research and idea-sharing among colleagues that she had experienced at the University of Michigan ultimately drew her back to Ann Arbor. She is excited to join her mentors in the Sports Medicine department at the University of Michigan, while also developing a pediatric sports medicine niche within the group.
Dr. Crawford is a graduate of Princeton University, where she was a national champion in Women’s Lightweight Rowing. This experience allows her to understand the goals of the competitive athlete in recovering from injury. She understands that patients have varying needs during this recovery process, so she believes that one of her most important tasks is to listen to her patients concerns and develop a strategy that works well for each individual. In addition to the care she will provide for the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University athletic teams, she has volunteered as a team medical provider for the US Rowing Team.
Dr. Crawford currently lives with her family, including her two young daughters, in her husband’s hometown of Chelsea. She plans to grow her general and pediatric sports medicine practice at Mott Children’s Hospital, Medsport Domino’s Farms, and within the West Ann Arbor/Chelsea and Brighton communities.

Navin Mallavaram MD
Board Certified Anesthesiologist
Columbia University
Pain Medicine
Navin Mallavaram MD, is a Board Certified Anesthesiologist with additional fellowship training in Pain Medicine. After graduating from the University of Colorado School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine internship at Northwestern University, Evanston Hospital. He undertook his Anesthesiology residency at Columbia University, St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital in New York, where he served as Chief Resident in his final year. He completed his Pain Medicine fellowship at the same institution.
Dr. Mallavaram specializes in treating chronic spinal pain but also treats a wide variety of chronic painful conditions. Dr. Mallavaram believes in using a comprehensive approach to chronic pain management. This includes lifestyle modification, exercise, physical therapy, and when appropriate medication management and minimally invasive pain management procedures. His goal is to effectively treat his patient’s pain and improve their overall function.
Dr. Mallavaram is a member of prominent national organizations including the American Medical Association, American Society of Anesthesiologists, and the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians. In addition to presenting his research at national medical conferences, Dr. Mallavaram has co-authored a textbook chapter in a widely used acute pain management textbook.

Dr. Russell Nord, MD
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Stanford University
Sports Medicine
San Francisco 49ers & Stanford Football Team
Dr. Nord is a fellowship-trained Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in Sports Medicine. While, his interests focus on the knee, shoulder and hip, he treats a variety of conditions in both the athlete and non-athlete. Dr. Nord is a firm believer that often, with the appropriate therapy, the body is able to heal itself without surgery. However, when surgery is necessary, Dr. Nord typically elects for an arthroscopic or minimally invasive technique.
Dr. Nord completed his Sports Medicine fellowship at Stanford University where he took care of Stanford athletes and served as a Team Physician for the Stanford Football Team. He also provided orthopedic care for the San Francisco 49ers NFL football team.
Prior to joining Stanford, Dr. Nord completed his Orthopedic Surgery residency at NYU-Hospital for Joint Diseases in New York City, where he was selected Executive Chief Resident during his final year. Dr. Nord received his MD degree from Cornell University, where he was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society and completed his undergraduate work at Duke University where he graduated summa cum laude with membership in Phi Beta Kappa.
Dr. Nord currently serves as Medical Director of the Washington Township Medical Group Sports Medicine Program. In his free time, Dr. Nord is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys a variety of athletic endeavors. He is married to Kristin Nord, a dermatologist, with whom he has three young children.

Ariel Palanca MD
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Stanford University
Lower Extremity Reconstruction
Ariel Palanca MD, is an associate professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Stanford University. She is a Native of Kalamazoo, Michigan. She completed undergraduate and medical education at the University of Michigan, Orthopaedic Surgery residency at Stanford. Dr. Palanca completed the Lower Extremity Reconstruction fellowship with Roger Mann MD. In addition, she completed the AO Traveling fellowship in Orthopaedic Trauma. Dual-fellowship trained, and now focused on injuries and deformity of the foot and ankle. Dr. Palanca specializes in sports injuries: osteochondral defects, Achilles ruptures and tendinitis, os trigonum syndrome, turf toe, plantar plate tears, ankle sprains; trauma injuries: ankle fractures, calcaneus fractures, talus fractures, metatarsal fractures; and arthritis of the ankle, subtalar joint, and midfoot. Personal interests include outdoor activities, running, and travel.

Nicolle Ionascu, PsyD. CME
Clinical Psychologist
University of California,San Francisco (UCSF)
Neuro Cognitive Disorders and Neuro Trauma
Nicolle Ionascu, Psy.D., Q.M.E. is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in neuro cognitive disorders and neuro trauma. Her entire career has focused on the neuropsychological evaluation and treatment of patients with severe mental illness, learning disorders, neuro cognitive disorders, and post concussive syndrome.
When she is not working in one of her private practices in the Bay Area, she works at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, California. Her work in the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery includes working with children referred for both pre-surgical and post-surgical assessments. She runs weekly support groups for children and adolescents dealing with chronic illness. She also works with children and their families using psychotherapy, supportive counseling and biofeedback. Before she came to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, Ionascu worked as a Clinical Psychologist at Presbyterian Hospital’s Rehabilitation Center and at Carolina Center for Development and Rehabilitation, both in Charlotte, NC. She also worked at the Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center in San Francisco and at Neuropsych Alliance, Ltd. as a clinical psychologist.

Ash Jain, MD, FACC
Cardiologist
Dr. Ashit Jain, MD is a cardiology specialist in Fremont, CA and has been practicing for 28 years. He graduated from Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi University in 1981 and specializes in cardiology, interventional cardiology.
Dr. Ash Jain has been in practice in the Bay Area for over 20 years. His practice encompasses all areas of cardiovascular medicine, including general medicine, clinical and interventional cardiology and peripheral vascular disease. Dr. Jain is very active in the clinical investigation and use of new devices and technologies. He has introduced many innovative interventional techniques to Washington Hospital as well as other hospitals.
Dr. Jain’s area of special interest involves introducing the latest management techniques for patients at risk for heart and vascular diseases. He has developed an extensive clinical research program and is involved in multiple new device research technologies. He has served as site principle investigation on over 24 multi-center clinical research trials and has written and presented many abstracts and publications in the field. Additionally, Dr. Jain remains committed to developing community educational programs, and recently completed a lecture series on prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Dr. Jain is committed to making a strong presence and difference in the medical care of the community in which he serves.

Mark 'RxProfessor' Pew
Senior VP, Product Development & Marketing Preferred Medical
Pew is Senior Vice President of Product Development & Marketing at Preferred Medical, a high-touch workers’ compensation pharmacy management and ancillary services provider. In this role he focuses on the clinical and financial implications of opioids, benzodiazepines and the evolution of medical marijuana in workers’ compensation. Known for his passion for ensuring every injured worker receives the appropriate treatment, Pew continues to champion the industry to both #PreventTheMess and #CleanUpTheMess by sharing his extensive research on the BioPsychoSocialSpiritual treatment model.
Mark is a popular speaker at workers’ compensation, insurance, legal and healthcare conferences around the country and frequently provides continuing education sessions to carriers, self-insured employers, and third-party administrators. He is also a regular media source for his insights on trends in the industry and society.
Mark serves on the Medical Issues Committee of the International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions (IAIABC) and the Workers’ Compensation Committee for the Self-Insurance Institute of America (SIIA). In addition, he has served as a technical advisor to regulators and legislators in more than 20 different jurisdictions on subjects such as drug formularies, treatment guidelines, opioid task force initiatives, non-pharma treatment options, and the medicinal use of cannabis.
Pew has been recognized by the industry for his work as a recipient of the 2016 WorkCompCentral Magna Comp Laude award and the 2017 IAIABC Samuel Gompers Award. His LinkedIn and Twitter (@RxProfessor) blog has also received industry acclaim and was recognized as one of the best blogs in the industry in 2016, 2017 and 2018 by WorkersCompensation.com.
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